Michael Medall

MCS: How did you get started in making music?

Michael Medall: Music has been a part of my life since I was an infant. My mom and dad would sing to my brother and I, which was one of the few ways of calming us down as young children. I vividly remember hearing my dad sing songs by Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and many more soulful songwriters. As these soulful classics began to become a part of my consciousness, I began to become more and more intrigued by the sound of music. As I moved into my teenage years I began playing guitar and piano in alternative bands formed by my closest friends at the time. Time continued and I began to become more intrigued with graffiti writing, skateboarding, and the whole hip-hop/hippy culture. Now, at 21 years old, I can confidently say that hip-hop not only saved my life, but provided me a creative outlet to expand my own thought process on life itself. I'm very thankful to be able to make music!



MCS: What artists have influenced your music career?

Michael Medall: I've been influenced by so many artists throughout my career. It's hard to narrow it down, but right off the top of my mind I hear names like: Tupac, BIG, A Tribe Called Quest, Prince, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, WuTang Clan, Method Man, Busta Rhymes and so the list continues…I seem to have been influenced by talented and inspiring musicians of pretty much every genre.



MCS: Who are your biggest supporters/who do you attribute your success to?

Michael Medall: My biggest supporters include and are not limited to: My family, friends, the fambase, and the talented visionaries and artists I surround myself with daily. I couldn't be more thankful for the incredible support I've received over the years and continue to receive today. If it wasn't for these amazing people, I would not be able to fully dedicate my life to this music. I've been through a lot and have experienced situations that could have easily ended my career and life, but through it all that base was there for me unconditionally. That's such a blessing.



MCS: What are your hopes for your career?

Michael Medall: My hopes for my career are essentially pretty basic. I want to share my story, struggles, addictions, loves, pains, and basically everything that makes me human just like you. While sharing these emotions and qualities I hope to inspire our youth and people of every age to live life to their fullest potential. I just want to spread love to the people who need it the most. I know that the rest will fall into place as I keep putting my soul into the music.



MCS: What has been the most exciting point in your music career?

Michael Medall: There have been many exciting moments in my career thus far. It's crazy to me that I've really only been doing this full time for just over a year. So much has happened. Hmmm what can I bring to this one. One specific moment that really hits home for me was an emcee battle I was a part of in Minneapolis. The battle was held nationwide and it came down to the top 4 emcees. I was in this top 4. Our crew at the time which included: Big Shah (my manager) and Collin Schroeder (videographer) made our way into the city for the final round of the battle, which took place at the legendary First Avenue: 7th Street Entry. When it was all said and done I came home with the victory and was awarded a stage at SummerSet, which is an incredible music festival held in the Minneapolis area. I ended up playing alongside artists like: Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Nas, Pretty Lights and many others. It was such an eye opening experience for me to be in the same room as those artists I've looked up to and almost idolized for the majority of my teenage years. It's crazy. No matter how much we do or how far we take this I will always have that same feeling for the artists I look up to!



MCS: How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Michael Medall: As an artist I can be described as an organic modern day hippy on a mission to spread knowledge, love and peace to the people of our world. I'm an educated and passionate emcee who is excited by the power of knowledge and vocal expression. I do my best to combine a real life essence to every project I'm a part of, while showcasing my versatility as well. As a Midwest artist I really love to chop. I remember as a kid we would turn on early Twista records and our jaws would just drop. That was something I always wanted to do and now I incorporate a lot of speed into the music, while keeping it as meaningful and organic as possible. My greatest moments as an artist are when I'm truly myself! That's so important to me.



MCS: How do you think you are different from other artists?

Michael Medall: I differ from many artists I hear for a variety of reasons. When I sit down and right a song I'm not thinking about what's the hottest verse I can write or what's the craziest beat I can get on. Sometimes that's great don't get me wrong, but I find myself more concerned with the content and energy behind my music. I can get into my zones of chopping rhythmic patterns or stylistically doing things that I just don't really hear that much of. I strive to put something real in there. Something from the heart. The mind is such a dangerous place sometimes! We need to stay connected to that love.



MCS: What influences your music?

Michael Medall: Life. I'm so thankful to be alive in this world. To be able to wake up each day and get behind the microphone or onto my beat machine is such an amazing feeling. I'm forever grateful for that. Traveling is also huge. Seeing things from multiple perspectives has really provided something for me musically. I feel like different dimensions of myself are compelled to come out when I'm surrounded by a fresh environment or new group of people. This whole world inspires and influences the music so much.



MCS: Where have you performed recently?

Michael Medall: Our last show was in Chicago with Coast2Coast Mixtapes. I was there with my good friend DJ Pain 1, who's such an amazing and humble talent. It was the first time I'd ever seen a vibrating dance floor. That was so crazy. I honestly didn't even know anything like that existed until we jumped into the crowd during our set and the floor started wobbling to the beat!



MCS: Have you performed in Madison? Will you perform in Madison?

Michael Medall: I've performed at nearly every venue in Madison aside from the Coliseum, which is definitely a future goal! I will be performing in Madison a few times on this next tour we're on and I'm excited to be a part of something really BIG that I can't announce quite yet. I love the city and the people in it. It's my hometown. I will always come back and perform in Madison!



MCS: What is your favorite performance memory?

Michael Medall: My favorite performance memory…it's really incredible to dig back into the arsenal of shows…I do have a memory that comes to mind. I will never forget a particular experience I had with a supporter of mine. She had been to three or four shows in a row and I definitely noticed her presence. We talked after the third show and she spoke of how my music had helped her get through some of the hardest times in her life. She had contemplated killing herself in the past and hadn't felt personally connected to an artist in the way she connected to me and my music. We still talk pretty much every day. She is currently the leader of our street team.



MCS: Dead or alive, who would be your perfect collaboration?

Michael Medall: Perfect collaboration…wow. Though we come from complete opposite upbringings I would love to collaborate with Tupac. I recently was in the studio with a producer who had worked with both Pac and Big and as I shook his hand I suddenly froze. I took a deep breathe and realized how blessed I have been on this journey. It would have been such a life-changing experience to have had the opportunity to vibe with Pac. Even if we just chilled in the studio and talked about life. I would love to hear his thoughts on the world today.



MCS: Any final shout outs?

Michael Medall: I just want to shout out my whole family, friends, collaborators and supporters of all kinds. You guys are beautiful and I'm very grateful for you all. - Madison City Social

What´s the name of your band? I run by my birth name, Michael Medall.
How was the band formed? We are constantly developing and growing into something much bigger than just an emcee and a DJ. I feel really blessed to have been surrounded by such inspiring and positive energy growing up in music. Sometimes I feel like we're not even fully formed to this day. I just want to keep developing, learning and connecting with likeminded musicians of all kinds and from all walks of life.
Can you tell about your band? I consider our group as a movement of organic and real music that we truly feel in our hearts. We have our moments where we like to turn up and have a good time, but when it all comes down to it we want to extend our passions in the purest form possible.
Where are all band members from?/Who does what in the band? I'm the lead emcee and I'm from Madison, Wisconsin. My current DJ (DJ Pain 1) is also from Madison. My manager Shah isn't essentially a part of the music, but I consider him a part of our group without a doubt. He's originally from the south side of Chicago, but has now started a family here in Madison as well. My brother from another mother, AP, has been my hype man and best friend for years. It seems like he has become pretty involved in his adult life and relationship, which I'm so happy to see. I'm forever blessed by all he's done for this movement. Our group is continuing to grow, as is the family around it. We all feel very blessed to have aligned in this way.
What was the ambitions of the band when you started? Our ambitions starting out are very similar to our ambitions today. Make good music from the heart. Love infinitely. Breathe the now.
Could you explain your music to someone that haven't heard you? As an artist I can be described as an organic modern day hippy on a mission to spread knowledge, love and peace to the people of our world. I'm an educated and passionate emcee who is excited by the power of knowledge and vocal expression. I do my best to combine a real life essence to every project I'm a part of, while showcasing my versatility as well. As a Midwest artist I really love to chop. I remember as a kid we would turn on early Twista records and our jaws would just drop. That was something I always wanted to do and now I incorporate a lot of speed into the music, while keeping it as meaningful and organic as possible. My greatest moments as an artist are when I'm truly myself! That's so important to me.
Where was your first gig? My first gig was in a community center in my hometown. I was 15 years old. I was rapping with AP at a rock concert. Everybody came for us.
Where was the latest gig? My latest gig was in Chicago at Club E. They had a vibrating dance floor. That was awesome.
Who writes your songs?/ who writes the music who writes lyrics? I write all my lyrics, though I do have a group of producers and visionaries that contribute to creating the musical elements of our projects. Some important names to remember: DJ Pain 1, Decap, Jimi Kendrix, 4AR, and many more!
Who has the best since of humor in the band? Big Shah definitely has the best sense of humor. He's our manager, but feels more like that big brother who never left the strip club. Ever. His phone is also as big as a microwave.
What's good/bad with the band?/What genre do you feel you are? I feel like we are a combination of almost every element of music. Being a primarily hip-hop/soul group I feel like we hit pretty much every genre. I even did a country/hip-hop joint called "Free" that pretty much started this whole ride.
Why did you pick that particular style?/What are your songs about?
I enjoy all genres of music so I knew I would naturally incorporate pieces and parts of everything that's right about each area of music. The songs are about life, love, stress, setbacks, and beyond. It's a story of growth!
Do you write your own material or mainly covers? We do a mixture of originals and remixes. Primarily originals, but it never hurts to remix something that's really vibrant and relevant.
Have you made any albums?/If yes what are they? I have two free mixtapes available: Second Decade and The Next Step. I released my debut EP "Live And Direct" in October of this year. My debut album is set to release Spring 2014. It's my baby.
Do you have any clips on YouTube? youtube.com/modern3ramusic // the arsenal grows every week!
How old are you?/What got you started in music? My mom and dad would sing to my brother and I, which was one of the few ways of calming us down as young children. I vividly remember hearing my dad sing songs by Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and many more soulful songwriters. As these soulful classics began to become a part of my consciousness, I began to become more and more intrigued by the sound of music. As I moved into my teenage years I began playing guitar and piano in alternative bands formed by my closest friends at the time. Time continued and I began to become more intrigued with graffiti writing, skateboarding, and the whole hip-hop/hippy culture. Now, at 21 years old, I can confidently say that hip-hop not only saved my life, but provided me a creative outlet to expand my own thought process on life itself. I'm very thankful to be able to make music!
Best/worst gig you've played? Best gig so far was definitely Summer Set 2012. I don't know what qualifies as worst. We've been pretty blessed thus far in that regard.
What places will you be playing in in the immediate future? We will be touring nationwide this Spring. I really hope to get back over to Europe as well this year!
Which band is the best you've seen? The best group I've seen live so far would have to be Ray Charles and company. I will never forget that show. Rest in peace Ray.
Is it always the same songs live? We always try to switch up our live show. You'll most likely experience something new every time. That's what we strive for.
What are the plans for the rest of the year? This year is going to be a grind. We hit the road towards Austin, TX for SXSW in March and then hit the road for the majority of April. We will be playing shows around the USA for this duration of time. I will have my debut album released and will be constantly grinding in the studio to get more music to our dedicated and beautiful FAMBASE! I seriously love you all.
How do you get psyched up for a gig? Getting psyched for a gig usually consists of a good hearty meal and a badass freestyle session in the studio before the show. I also like to say a prayer and meditate with my team before hitting the stage.
What are your goals with your music? My goals are to inspire!
When did you decide to go all in for the music? I decided to go all in on music following my work with MF studios in Malmo, Sweden, which took place in 2011. I came back to play one show and that turned into 70 more and counting…
Is it easier to get your inspiration from older bands or from bands more modern? I find inspiration from classic music more oftentimes than with current stuff. It's more pure. Organic. It has heart. We need love right now and so many artists are just talking about the same shit over and over again. I want to end that cycle.
What's the first step when making a new song? First step when making a new song. Brew up tea. Meditate. Clear. Begin.
How do you feel about the downloading of music instead of buying albums? It's cool to download music. I do it all the time, but I WILL ALWAYS purchase music from the artists I feel most connected to. I honestly try to buy the physical CD every time no matter what because I know first hand what goes into making that a reality. It's no walk in the park.
What would be your dreams for the band? I want to see the whole world with my best friends.
Besides your own music, what genres and bands do you listen to? I listen to pretty much every genre of music. There's something beautiful in every element of music. We just need to listen.
What do you hold most dear? My family. I wouldn't be here without them.
What would be your greatest fears for the future? My addictions. I've struggled with the abuse of alcohol and drugs throughout my life. I pray for my sobriety and clear state of mind every day. Life is not easy, but I am so grateful I've made it this far.
When you are on stage, what do you fear most then? While on stage my only fear/thought is "Mike, whatever you do, don't trip" haha
Have you been part of any other projects?
I've been a part of a few other projects, most notably:
DJ Pain 1: Painkillerz 3
Sincere Life: Write Of Passage EP
Have you been in any other bands? I've played in multiple bands of multiple genres. Hip-Hop is the final outcome of those experiences.
What do you work with outside of the band and the music? I'm the idea man.
How important are your fans? My fans are my family.
What's the funniest/most memorable thing a fan has done for you? I love when my supporters draw me pictures. Keep em' coming!
How often do you rehearse? I rehearse every day.
Where do you rehearse? I rehearse in the car, studio, house, basically wherever I am in that moment.
Name 2 of your own songs you like at the moment? "Live And Direct" and "Un-Done" // they can both be found on my EP, which is available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and more! Just google Michael Medall Live And Direct EP. Love.
Any pearls of wisdom for all other bands out there? Do it for the love, but also know your worth.
Do you have any webpages?
www.moderneramusic.com
www.facebook.com/michaelmedall
www.twitter.com/michaelmedall
www.instagram.com/michaelmedall
Describe your show, visually and musically Our show is different every time. Come out and see us!
How do you view the music industry of today? The industry is dying. Independents are rising.
Do you have anything to add? I want to thank you for your interest in our movement and send all my love to our amazing family of fans from all over the world. I love you all. Let's keep rising and spreading this divine energy! - Robex Lundgren

With major producer DJ Pain 1 involved in this project, expectations are soaring for this new release.

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 14, 2012
Nowadays in hip-hop, it’s rare to find a popular artist who rocks the microphone with great flow and sharp lyrical ability. M.I.C is a 20-year-old budding artist from Wisconsin that feels so passionate about his craft that he named himself after his top instrument – his microphone. These amazing talents are on full display on his new release "Second Decade" presented by Modern Era Music.
M.I.C fell in love with music at an early age. Growing up in a very musical family, his father, Steven Medall recognized his tremendous amount of singing talent and musical ability and enrolled M.I.C in piano, guitar and drums lessons. With the ability to play various instruments at a high level, M.I.C also plays the blues, but has been mainly focused on hip-hop for the last five years now.
By putting his heart and soul into his music, M.I.C hopes to inspire his generation to stand up for what they believe in and hopefully change the perception of rap and hip-hop music as a whole. That is the overall goal of M.I.C’s “Second Decade”. With the bulk of this project recorded in Sweden, the trip overseas has provided M.I.C with a new wave of influence and birthed new and innovative ideas for his projects. Mainly produced by DJ Pain 1, M.I.C uses his hard-hitting beats as a canvas to paint vivid pictures with his words and music. With major producer, DJ Pain 1 involved in this project, expectations are soaring for this new release.
The production adds a special element to the project as DJ Pain 1 has worked with Meek Mill, Young Jeezy, Young Buck, Kirko Bangz, I-20, Huey, Rain, Vado, Jim Jones, Sha Stimuli, Black Rob, Sean Price and more. Consider M.I.C another impressive name added to that resume.
The "Second Decade" has arrived.
Andre Young
theubgx@gmail.com
5742587777 - Andre Young

Why do I believe that MIC can be the next big thing? Because on Sunday night in downtown Madison, hip hop fans packed The Frequency patiently awaiting through numerous opening acts, but when the clock struck midnight a 20-year-old artist named Michael made his way to the stage as MIC. While standing in the middle of the crowded room I knew immediately that MIC was the act that everyone at the venue was waiting for. When he jumped up on the stage The Frequency lit up, and the crowd suddenly burst to life. I can’t say I have ever seen a crowd knowing every word to a local artist’s songs until Sunday. Tracks such as “Flight Ticket” and the brand new song “Freedom” have catchy sing along choruses that anyone can appreciate. I was always into MIC’s fresh approach to making timeless hip hop anthems, but after seeing him live I am now completely sold that MIC has the whole package that will springboard him to the next level. The energy that MIC and the Modern Era Crew brought to the stage. The show possessed a live energy that is so often overlooked yet essential to being a complete hip hop artist. What stuck out to me more than anything was MIC’s fan base. Dubbed the “fambase” by Madison hip hop promoter Shah Evans, MIC’s fans prove how contagious his movement truly is. Every direction you turned it was hard to find someone not sporting MIC’s signature snapbacks embroidered with his motto “Live the Dream”. It is not often you see such a loyal “fambase” and there is no doubt that it will be growing in the near future with an upcoming video, and plenty more shows booked. Keep an eye on MIC, and check him out live. You will not be disappointed. - The Senator

If you haven’t heard of him yet, you can now say that you have. Michael Medall, better known as M.I.C., is taking the local hip hop scene by storm. Straight out of Madison, WI this young lyricist is bringing something new and refreshing to the table. His brand new mixtape Second Decade truly displays the talent that he possesses, and also shows his future potential. The mixtape was produced by DJ Pain 1 who has worked with artists such as Young Jeezy, Young Buck and Kirko Bangz. M.I.C. also collaborates with original hip hop artist Stuhn Beatz out of Pennsylvania.
As of last September up until just a few weeks ago Michael was doing his best to live his dream out in Sweden where he was Skateboarding for the brand ELK. While stuck in his tiny apartment the true M.I.C. came out and the musical juices began to flow. He began writing and recording Second Decade with a small independent label, MF Studios and TFX Productions. However, for Michael it is all about his own label entitled Modern Era Music where he produces and records some of his own tracks, and following his motto “Live The Dream”
Second Decade features tracks such as “Feels Great” and “Stand Up” show off M.I.C.’s unique vibe that should have all listeners raising eyebrows. His songs “100%” and “All Day” displays his ability to unleash lyrical fury on somewhat unorthodox, yet catchy instrumentals. Hip hop fans all over the Midwest should be prepared to sit back and watch their next representative of hip hop take over. Watch and stay tuned to this new breed of hip hop. - The Senator

Thursday night in downtown Minneapolis 4 hip-hop acts from across the Midwest converged on the 7th Street Entry at the historic First Avenue. These four acts were either voted in by a popular vote or chosen by Team Summer Set to battle it out for an afternoon slot on the inaugural Summer Set Music & Camping Festival.
The 4 acts were:
M.I.C. (Modern Era Music) – Madison, WI - http://www.facebook.com/moderneramusic
Fat C – Minneapolis, MN - http://www.facebook.com/FatSayjack
The AV Club – Minneapolis, MN - http://www.facebook.com/bigpopski
Is He Real? – Ann Arbor, MI - http://soundcloud.com/izzy2010till
This was a difficult choice for Team Summer Set to make, as each act brought different strengths to the stage. From straight hip-hop flows to rockin’ a party vibe, each act focused on their style and presentation, trying to win both the crowd and judges. A couple of the acts had a clear home-court advantage, and worked that aspect to it’s maximum. Def a raging vibe at certain points throughout the night!
In the end, M.I.C. claimed the victory, and the performance slot at the festival. Much respect to all of the acts for representin’ at the battle, hustling their people into the place, and everyone who came out to support the battle. Please support local music! - Jack Trash

Madison, Wisconsin has an interesting Hip Hop scene to say the least. Coming from a city that seems to hold its Hip Hop artists hostage Michael Medall seems to be one of the few talented artists that are ready to hit the national stage and The Next Step should be his ticket to do so. The emcee proves he is absolutely versatile with it by demonstrating various style throughout the tape and rocking over the production of notables like DJ Pain 1, Decap and more. This is one of those mix tapes you should grab up for the simple fact that it could easily be the first entry into Michael Medall’s sure to be dope catalog that will receive a lot of attention. Hit the link below to stream and download The Next Step below and try to tell me different. - Jeremiah Senior Media Editor at KevinNottingham.com